WACA will offer 'something for everyone' - Bailey

Under the helmet at short leg, George Bailey had the best possible view of England's fear against Mitchell Johnson this series. His sympathy for the tail even stretched to suggesting that the No.11 Monty Panesar get his elbow out of the way; blood on the pitch should be only an expression. Bailey knows where he speaks. In a Sheffield Shield match at the WACA two years ago, he made 116 for Tasmania in an innings in which Johnson claimed a five-wicket haul.

"I'd be lying if I said it was much fun, that's for sure," Bailey said of facing Johnson at the WACA. "It's a challenge. When you come to the WACA, you know you're going to get fast, bouncy wickets and you know you've got to deal with that as a batter. But I think it's a great place to bat, I think the fast bowlers get excited when they come here and the batters do as well .There's something there for everyone and if you can invest a little bit of time as a batsman there's plenty of runs to be had."

Nothing in Bailey's brief Test career suggests that the WACA is his kind of place. In his two appearances in the baggy green, Bailey's scoring has been dominated by runs against the spinners. He has taken 68 runs from the 94 deliveries he has faced from Graeme Swann, Monty Panesar and Joe Root, and only 22 off 74 from the seamers. Every one of the 28 deliveries James Anderson has bowled to Bailey has been a dot.

If that suggests a weakness against pace, it is misleading. Nearly half his first-class runs have been scored at the Bellerive Oval, where quick bowlers dominate on green seamers, and the WACA has provided him with his second-best average of any of Australia's six major grounds. Although at times it has seemed that Bailey's aggression against the spinners, often lofting down the ground, was a plan, he said it was simply a matter of wanting to play his natural game.

"No, no plan at all. I guess you can only score off what you happen to be facing," Bailey said. "There's no real plan. I certainly think that at my age I'm only going to get one crack at a Test career, so one of the things I'm trying to be really conscious of is doing it my way, so that when it does come to an end you don't look back and feel like there are any regrets, or wish you'd played a different way."

Bailey's style has brought him gradually increasing scores - 3, 34 and 53 - and he is in the exceptionally rare position of having the chance to begin his Test career with three wins against England to retain the Ashes. Nevertheless, Bailey knows that he cannot be satisfied with solid starts, and said it was disappointing not to have gone on with it in the first innings at Adelaide Oval, given the friendly conditions.

"It was a bit frustrating, really," he said. "It was a beautiful batting wicket and Michael [Clarke] and I had sort of wrestled the momentum back, so for me to get out late in the day left the innings in a bit of a precarious position. Pup and Hadds had a wonderful partnership to get us flying into day two, but certainly for me, my scores are going up so hopefully that continues."

Should Australia win at the WACA, it will be the crowning glory for the majority of the squad, as Clarke is the only member of the side who has played in an Ashes-winning team. But despite the opportunity, Bailey said Australia would not get ahead of themselves in Perth.

"It's very much been drilled into us that we have won two Tests in 12 months," he said. "Whilst the cricket that we're playing at the moment is very pleasing, it's about being able to replicate that, no matter the conditions and no matter the ground."

Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets here

@Meety - You can't really compare Walters retiring at 36 and Hussey at 37. Walters was dropped, or as his cricinfo profile says "overlooked". Hussey was still one of the best 2-3 batsmen in Australia and would have been a certain pick had he not retired to spend more time with his family.

I don't think most cricketers retire early to make money in IPL, they can do that anyway. You will probably find that for most of them, it's the constant travel wears them down and by doing just the IPL/Big Bash they can spend most of their time with their families and still make a decent income.

Meety
on December 12, 2013, 1:24 GMT

@dunger.bob on (December 11, 2013, 11:00 GMT) - Oz players are certainly seeming to be playing longer/later than they use to. I think it is the pay in some cases, but I think the sports science (which does cop a lot of criticsm), certainly helps players stay fitter, which also probably leads to the 3rd reason - lessor beer culture. I love a good beer & we all love hearing stories about how Dougie Walters was once so hungover on a Saffa tour he couldn't see Proctor at the end of his run up & could only focus on him when he was almost at the crease! That said - he was basically 36 when he retired, which is within a year of Mike Hussey, who you would think is the epitome of pro-fitness!! All that said - I can see the lure of the IPL seeing some players retire from International cricket earlier, for their superannuation!

dunger.bob
on December 11, 2013, 11:00 GMT

I'd throw Ludeman from the Redbacks in with the keepers. He looks extremely neat behind the sticks and his batting is OK and improving. I think.

Re the age of the Aussies. I've got a theory that Aussie cricketers are maturing later but playing longer than we used to. I suppose much higher pay and better injury treatment are the reasons for that. Back in the 70's and even 80's many guys had to stop playing games and get a real job once they got married and had some kids. That's if they didn't have to retire because of some knee or shoulder damage that was inoperable back then but they fix in an hour with key-hole surgery these days. (A/c, medial ligaments etc)

lovemadan
on December 11, 2013, 9:11 GMT

Dear all , i would like to share my views on present Australia team . wade can play as a batsman , Paine can be hand over glove work and play at 7 in test team . as far as my concern Shaun marsh , Wade , Paine , Ferguson , Khawaja ,smith , Hughes , etc can be given a chance and reform of Australian

Thegimp
on December 11, 2013, 7:47 GMT

Australia finally start to play some competitive cricket and already you lot are swinging the changes, talking about replacements and getting ready to sack people. I can't stand this constant yabber about age, with today's physio, fitness levels, diet etc there is no reason players can't go on into their 40s. Haddin is keeping well and batting well, let's give him a couple of years, Bailey will always be a scrapper so leave him where he is and as for Rogers, a few short months ago you all were calling him the saviour and now you want him gone??? I don't get it, what has the poor guy done? Whilst he is averaging in the high 30s off 100 balls and Warner is smashing them leave him there.

LoungeChairCritic
on December 11, 2013, 7:22 GMT

@heathr1974 I always laugh at the cricket commentators when they go on about the "Freo Doctor". Most locals don't even call it that, we just refer to it as a "westerly". About 10 to 15 days during summer you get a mild easterly when the temps are high (37 degree's plus) like it will be during the test. On days like these you can practically water ski from Fremantle to Rottnest because the Indian Ocean is so flat. The remaining days in summer, you tend to go to the beach before 10.30am so you can beat the "Freo Doctor/Westerly". Windsurfers and traditional swing bowlers love it over here.

heathrf1974
on December 11, 2013, 6:23 GMT

Thanks for the insight LoungeChairCritic.

on December 11, 2013, 6:05 GMT

@CricketMaan Off the top of my head id say Tim Paine and Joe Burns/Alex Doolan.

jonesy2
on December 11, 2013, 5:56 GMT

im tipping warner to break the record for the fastest test century and for England to get bowled out for less than the 51 they managed against the windies that time

Draconarius
on December 11, 2013, 5:35 GMT

@CricketMaan: I reckon Tim Paine will come in for Haddin, probably after the next World Cup (which Haddin has said his what he's aiming at. At this rate can't see him not making it). He's not quite as good a batsman as Wade, but is a far better keeper. For Bailey, assuming he can keep his spot for 1-2 years, I reckon Jordan Silk will be a great choice. He's looked good in his early Shield games, with another couple of years to grow up he should be a fantastic player.

Someguy
on December 13, 2013, 1:22 GMT

@Meety - You can't really compare Walters retiring at 36 and Hussey at 37. Walters was dropped, or as his cricinfo profile says "overlooked". Hussey was still one of the best 2-3 batsmen in Australia and would have been a certain pick had he not retired to spend more time with his family.

I don't think most cricketers retire early to make money in IPL, they can do that anyway. You will probably find that for most of them, it's the constant travel wears them down and by doing just the IPL/Big Bash they can spend most of their time with their families and still make a decent income.

Meety
on December 12, 2013, 1:24 GMT

@dunger.bob on (December 11, 2013, 11:00 GMT) - Oz players are certainly seeming to be playing longer/later than they use to. I think it is the pay in some cases, but I think the sports science (which does cop a lot of criticsm), certainly helps players stay fitter, which also probably leads to the 3rd reason - lessor beer culture. I love a good beer & we all love hearing stories about how Dougie Walters was once so hungover on a Saffa tour he couldn't see Proctor at the end of his run up & could only focus on him when he was almost at the crease! That said - he was basically 36 when he retired, which is within a year of Mike Hussey, who you would think is the epitome of pro-fitness!! All that said - I can see the lure of the IPL seeing some players retire from International cricket earlier, for their superannuation!

dunger.bob
on December 11, 2013, 11:00 GMT

I'd throw Ludeman from the Redbacks in with the keepers. He looks extremely neat behind the sticks and his batting is OK and improving. I think.

Re the age of the Aussies. I've got a theory that Aussie cricketers are maturing later but playing longer than we used to. I suppose much higher pay and better injury treatment are the reasons for that. Back in the 70's and even 80's many guys had to stop playing games and get a real job once they got married and had some kids. That's if they didn't have to retire because of some knee or shoulder damage that was inoperable back then but they fix in an hour with key-hole surgery these days. (A/c, medial ligaments etc)

lovemadan
on December 11, 2013, 9:11 GMT

Dear all , i would like to share my views on present Australia team . wade can play as a batsman , Paine can be hand over glove work and play at 7 in test team . as far as my concern Shaun marsh , Wade , Paine , Ferguson , Khawaja ,smith , Hughes , etc can be given a chance and reform of Australian

Thegimp
on December 11, 2013, 7:47 GMT

Australia finally start to play some competitive cricket and already you lot are swinging the changes, talking about replacements and getting ready to sack people. I can't stand this constant yabber about age, with today's physio, fitness levels, diet etc there is no reason players can't go on into their 40s. Haddin is keeping well and batting well, let's give him a couple of years, Bailey will always be a scrapper so leave him where he is and as for Rogers, a few short months ago you all were calling him the saviour and now you want him gone??? I don't get it, what has the poor guy done? Whilst he is averaging in the high 30s off 100 balls and Warner is smashing them leave him there.

LoungeChairCritic
on December 11, 2013, 7:22 GMT

@heathr1974 I always laugh at the cricket commentators when they go on about the "Freo Doctor". Most locals don't even call it that, we just refer to it as a "westerly". About 10 to 15 days during summer you get a mild easterly when the temps are high (37 degree's plus) like it will be during the test. On days like these you can practically water ski from Fremantle to Rottnest because the Indian Ocean is so flat. The remaining days in summer, you tend to go to the beach before 10.30am so you can beat the "Freo Doctor/Westerly". Windsurfers and traditional swing bowlers love it over here.

heathrf1974
on December 11, 2013, 6:23 GMT

Thanks for the insight LoungeChairCritic.

on December 11, 2013, 6:05 GMT

@CricketMaan Off the top of my head id say Tim Paine and Joe Burns/Alex Doolan.

jonesy2
on December 11, 2013, 5:56 GMT

im tipping warner to break the record for the fastest test century and for England to get bowled out for less than the 51 they managed against the windies that time

Draconarius
on December 11, 2013, 5:35 GMT

@CricketMaan: I reckon Tim Paine will come in for Haddin, probably after the next World Cup (which Haddin has said his what he's aiming at. At this rate can't see him not making it). He's not quite as good a batsman as Wade, but is a far better keeper. For Bailey, assuming he can keep his spot for 1-2 years, I reckon Jordan Silk will be a great choice. He's looked good in his early Shield games, with another couple of years to grow up he should be a fantastic player.

xtrafalgarx
on December 11, 2013, 5:13 GMT

"Cricketmaan", Wade/Paine for Haddin, Bailey is 31, he could play for 5/6 years if he gets it right.

Jasonhasanopiniontoo
on December 11, 2013, 3:42 GMT

@CricketMann Haddin could retire at any point, so you're right, we need a replacement for him, and there are no real standouts. Matthew Wade's batting was great, having already scored a couple of test centuries in his short time in the team, but his glovework cost the team countless byes and at least 15 catches and missed stumpings, off Nathan Lyon especially. Bailey doesn't need a replacement, provided he keeps getting bigger scores. He's only just turned 32, there's no reason why he couldn't play for at least three or four more years, by which time some of the young talented 21 and 22 year olds will be around 26, and perfectly ready for a test position. If Bailey fails, the next cab off the rank is almost definitely Alex Doolan

on December 11, 2013, 2:59 GMT

@CricketMaan I would suggest Wade or Paine for Haddin. Wade I think is the better option if he can get his glovework up to scratch a little more. He's a little slow to react to the ball at times, and his head moves too much.

Bailey has three years left in him, at least. But longer term I would like to think we will see Hughes come through. He's around 26 with almost 10,000 first class runs. Simply can't be ignored long term.

on December 11, 2013, 2:24 GMT

Simple summary of the series so far... None of the England players have played to their potential, but almost every Australian player has put their hand up when needed. We (England) have hit a form slump as Aus have hit a form peak. Slumps and peaks don't last too long at this level, but I believe they will last long enough for Aus to take this series 4-1 or possibly 5 - 0. The Ashes will be won in Perth by Aus, and so far in this series they deserve it. All I hope is that England get back into the contest some how, even if we lose in Perth, to show us fans they still really care about winning down under.

wellrounded87
on December 11, 2013, 2:20 GMT

@CricketMaan Bailey is only 30 so if he succeeds we don't have to worry about a replacement for 6-7 years. If he fails we've got a few talented youngsters coming through the ranks in Doolan, Silk, Burns Carters and Lynn. There's also more experienced campaigners like Cosgrove, Ferguson, Marsh and even Pomersbach.

As for keeprs Haddin isn't even our number 1. He's just favoured as a NSW player, Both Tim Paine and Chris Hartley are far better options behind the stumps. As for younger options you have guys like Ludeman and Wade

brisCricFan
on December 11, 2013, 2:08 GMT

@CricketMaan; Why are we discussing changing Bailey for the long term... he has only just got in... give him a chance, dumping too quick has been the problems in the past... he was selected becase he was seen as the right man for the job, give him a chance to repay the faith.

Haddin is on the way out... even he talks of just getting through the 2015WC... If you asked that 2 yrs ago, I would have said Tim Paine but sadly he hasn't regained his former glory after his injuries... but he does have 18 mths if Haddin holds the gloves till then... If not, I would say Hartley although at almost 32, I think his chance has slipped by... The young (english born) Whiteman looks a talent with the gloves and at 21 has a long future... maybe the next 2 yrs being groomed will give him and Aus a chance of a long term keeper... in his short career he seems versatile with the bat also...

on December 11, 2013, 1:23 GMT

Paine and Maddinson

on December 11, 2013, 0:42 GMT

@ CricketMaan

Bailey is only 31 so it's too early to think about replacements if he becomes a permanent member of the side. Haddin is 36 right now and if he were to retire today the best replacement for him would be Tim Paine, followed by Wade.

on December 11, 2013, 0:27 GMT

@Cricketmaan - Australia has good wicket keeping talent coming up in the Sheffield shield. Whiteman from Western Australia and Nevill from NSW are two that come to mind who have done well with the bat so far this season. Whiteman is only 21 as well so he has plenty of seasons left to prosper into an even better talent than he is now.

LoungeChairCritic
on December 10, 2013, 23:53 GMT

@heathrf1974 As a Perth local, I don't know how much we will be getting of the "Freo Doctor" during the test match. The forecast for the five days is between 36 degree's to 39. When it is that hot you tend to get an easterly breeze that is not as strong as the traditional doctor which comes from the west. When it is that hot it makes sense to play a spinner. Although Perth has a dry heat, the fast bowlers will struggle to maintain there pace during longer spells.

on December 10, 2013, 23:52 GMT

England are struggling and the aussies are taking full advantage and i still believe in 12 months time england still be a better test team in world cricket than the over confident ausi team who have started to believe there problems have gone for good

ShutTheGate
on December 10, 2013, 23:30 GMT

@CricketMaan - good question! I think that Tim Paine and Matt Wade are next inline for the gloves.

Number 6 is a challenge as most of our fringe batters like Kahwaja, Hughes, Doolan, Maddison are top order players.

Hopefully we get two years out of Bailey, Rogers life span is probably less but I think we have young guys who could fit that role and maybe the South Africa tour is the time to make that change.

on December 10, 2013, 23:22 GMT

@CricketMaan

Bailey is only 31; he's probably got at least an good 3-4 years ahead of him. I'll ignore the likes of Shaun Marsh, Ferguson, Forrest, Khawaja and Hughes that I'm sure you already know; Queensland duo Chris Lynn and Joe Burns are a long-term prospects, as are Tasmanian opener Jordan Silk, NSW's Nic Maddinson and Scott Henry and South Australian #3 Travis Head. Short-term, Bailey's fellow Tasmanian Alex Doolan is probably #7 in the Australian batting pecking order.

As for Haddin, the list is fairly long for a country with only 6 state sides. There is the best pure keeper in Oz, Hartley from Queensland, and a pair of batsman-keepers, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade, both of whom have subbed for Haddin in the last few years.

dunger.bob
on December 10, 2013, 21:59 GMT

I love George's attitude. .. "I've only got one shot at this so I'm not going to die wondering". Perfect.

chicko1983
on December 10, 2013, 21:40 GMT

@surlycynic- sa got lucky by facing a completely different bowling attack from the one which almost won in The first two tests that series. Also, Amla and Kallis played out of their skins. But this test will be different against an in form Johnson and English batsmen not up to Amla or kallis skill in playing quick bowling.

chicko1983
on December 10, 2013, 21:33 GMT

@cricketmaan: for bailey, expect hughes or silk to come into the test team for him. Hughes if the change is in the next couple of years but silk is a long term test prospect. Hughes is in awesome form and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a run in the last test if it is a dead rubber and Watson needs a "rest". As for haddin, Paine is the next cab off the rank. Paine makes runs and is technically a better keeper than wade. Wade is younger with test experience due to Paine being injured, and could come back better in the long term. Wade is a good batsman but worse keeper than Paine or Haddin.

Front-Foot-Lunge-Needs-A-Hug
on December 10, 2013, 21:31 GMT

The WACA will offer something for everyone, defeat for England and an Ashes sealing victory for Australia.

Bonehead_maz
on December 10, 2013, 20:31 GMT

@ CricketMaan ...... Haddin is planning to play until ODI World Cup 2015. Obviously there are Matthew Wade and Tim Paine, both state captains now who've already played international cricket.
I like the look of a young Western Australian called Sam Whiteman. There's also a young guy called Ryan Carters playing for NSW and getting runs as a batsman (Havn't seen him keep). Jake Doran who's just turned 17, played against England in Alice Springs and looked tidy.
Bailey , if he survives that long, will not be long term replaced till about 2018 and ANYTHING could have happened by then.

CricketMaan
on December 10, 2013, 16:29 GMT

@Aussie fans, who are replacements for Haddin and Bailiey in long term?

SurlyCynic
on December 10, 2013, 15:30 GMT

Look back a year at how SA played against Aus at the WACA. Can England emulate that? I would select Finn and use him in short spells at top pace. England need at least one weapon not just trundlers.

on December 10, 2013, 15:24 GMT

We are seeing the same killer instinct in this Australian team when they were #1 side in the world. I believe that time Is not too far to get back no.1 spot again. This team is playing as a unit for their nation. England unfortunately in a very serious crisis.

Robert1612
on December 10, 2013, 13:24 GMT

Good to see George not getting ahead of himself, certainly he as well as Watto and Smith need to make some big runs. The benefit of batting at the WACA has always been that runs come quickly once you are in and all three of those mentioned are stroke players, so it should suit their style. It would be nice for Watto to actually make a meaningful score when it really counts ... the occasional 50 and a 100 very few years should not be good enough to keep him in the team.
If the Aussie batting fires (320-350+) England can kiss the ashes goodbye! With Mitch at his new home ground (still think of him as a Queenslander though!) hope we are in for another special performance!!
Bring on Friday and best of luck to England ... have a feeling they will need all they can get!

heathrf1974
on December 10, 2013, 13:15 GMT

Very good point by Bailey. Although the quicks like it, so do the batsman. It is not a green top. One key to bowling well is using the 'Fremantle Doctor' to your advantage.

inefekt
on December 10, 2013, 12:24 GMT

I always thought we referred to those wielding the willow as 'batsmen' and not 'batters', which is a baseball term. Then again I'm not the one playing cricket for Australia!

No featured comments at the moment.

inefekt
on December 10, 2013, 12:24 GMT

I always thought we referred to those wielding the willow as 'batsmen' and not 'batters', which is a baseball term. Then again I'm not the one playing cricket for Australia!

heathrf1974
on December 10, 2013, 13:15 GMT

Very good point by Bailey. Although the quicks like it, so do the batsman. It is not a green top. One key to bowling well is using the 'Fremantle Doctor' to your advantage.

Robert1612
on December 10, 2013, 13:24 GMT

Good to see George not getting ahead of himself, certainly he as well as Watto and Smith need to make some big runs. The benefit of batting at the WACA has always been that runs come quickly once you are in and all three of those mentioned are stroke players, so it should suit their style. It would be nice for Watto to actually make a meaningful score when it really counts ... the occasional 50 and a 100 very few years should not be good enough to keep him in the team.
If the Aussie batting fires (320-350+) England can kiss the ashes goodbye! With Mitch at his new home ground (still think of him as a Queenslander though!) hope we are in for another special performance!!
Bring on Friday and best of luck to England ... have a feeling they will need all they can get!

on December 10, 2013, 15:24 GMT

We are seeing the same killer instinct in this Australian team when they were #1 side in the world. I believe that time Is not too far to get back no.1 spot again. This team is playing as a unit for their nation. England unfortunately in a very serious crisis.

SurlyCynic
on December 10, 2013, 15:30 GMT

Look back a year at how SA played against Aus at the WACA. Can England emulate that? I would select Finn and use him in short spells at top pace. England need at least one weapon not just trundlers.

CricketMaan
on December 10, 2013, 16:29 GMT

@Aussie fans, who are replacements for Haddin and Bailiey in long term?

Bonehead_maz
on December 10, 2013, 20:31 GMT

@ CricketMaan ...... Haddin is planning to play until ODI World Cup 2015. Obviously there are Matthew Wade and Tim Paine, both state captains now who've already played international cricket.
I like the look of a young Western Australian called Sam Whiteman. There's also a young guy called Ryan Carters playing for NSW and getting runs as a batsman (Havn't seen him keep). Jake Doran who's just turned 17, played against England in Alice Springs and looked tidy.
Bailey , if he survives that long, will not be long term replaced till about 2018 and ANYTHING could have happened by then.

Front-Foot-Lunge-Needs-A-Hug
on December 10, 2013, 21:31 GMT

The WACA will offer something for everyone, defeat for England and an Ashes sealing victory for Australia.

chicko1983
on December 10, 2013, 21:33 GMT

@cricketmaan: for bailey, expect hughes or silk to come into the test team for him. Hughes if the change is in the next couple of years but silk is a long term test prospect. Hughes is in awesome form and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a run in the last test if it is a dead rubber and Watson needs a "rest". As for haddin, Paine is the next cab off the rank. Paine makes runs and is technically a better keeper than wade. Wade is younger with test experience due to Paine being injured, and could come back better in the long term. Wade is a good batsman but worse keeper than Paine or Haddin.

chicko1983
on December 10, 2013, 21:40 GMT

@surlycynic- sa got lucky by facing a completely different bowling attack from the one which almost won in The first two tests that series. Also, Amla and Kallis played out of their skins. But this test will be different against an in form Johnson and English batsmen not up to Amla or kallis skill in playing quick bowling.